New at this

[find_rhonda@yahoo.com]

Hi ya'll,
I took this during a gig and would like some input. I have an Olympus sp-550ouz. I love the camera but am not sure how to get the best out of it, that's why I'm getting involved with this school.
Thanks for your input.
Rhonda

[clockdoc]

Hi and welcome to the forums. I did a search of your camera and it appears to be a fine instrument capable of serving you well. Your shot, which was towards the wide-angle end of the range and at 1/80 second seems to be generally out of focus overall. Can you tell us a little more about how you shot this? How long have you had your camera? Sometimes it takes a while to get used to how the camera functions before you are pleased with the results.With a little more info perhaps we can be more helpful. Do you use any kind of post-processing software? Again, welcome. I'll be happy to help where I can.

[find_rhonda@yahoo.com]

I've had my camera since March, 2007. I use it during my husbands gigs which are pretty much every weekend. I took that picture from across the room and the ones up close are clear but usually have red eye. I tried using the auto function but the shutter speed isn't fast enough for the action. I'm at a loss, I don't understand the camera language or what I can do to remedy this. I've read all of the directions and feel like a figuratively, dumb blond, when it comes to this. I have the 18x optical zoom and that is about all I understand about the technical side. Even when I use the full 18x it's blurry, I can usually tell when it will turn out blurry but the red eye is almost always a surprise. It always looks better from the camera's digital picture then when I upload it through the Olympus software I find the problems. If you can help I'll be eternally grateful.
Sincerely,
Rhonda

[jiminyClickit]

find_rhonda, Welcome

What a fine camera you have! When you find out how much it can do so well, you'll be very happy. It does have a redeye reduction mode for the flash, just needs to be turned to that setting. Thirty modes for all situations (even underwater!?). One thing that might influence the shot above: flash only covers 10-15 feet, depending on other settings. You may need to experiment without flash, in manual, during a non-show time. Also that 18X zoom is the best in the category your camera is in. Even the best will have trouble Auto-focussing in low light. I believe you have a lot of experimenting ahead of you. Ask about each thing you discover or can't figure out and we'll do our best to help.

[clockdoc]

Hi Rhonda,
Jiminy has provided some excellent advice. I was jokingly told "The first 5,000 pictures are the hardest." However I suppose there is some wisdom in those words since the camera, and I suspect photography, are so new to you. Owner's manuals can be intimidating but when you have time, read up on setting your ISO (what used to be called film speed). Many cameras will default to the lower settings but for your husband's gigs, the lighting may be such that you need to use a higher rating such as 400 or even 800. The tradeoff for this increased sensitivity to light is something called "noise" or a mottled look in some broad areas of the image. Shoot lots of images and experiment like Jiminy suggested. Also, consider investing in a tripod because at 18X optical zoom, even the best would have trouble hand-holding a shot in low light. Again, we'll be glad to help where we can.

[R.E. Smith]

Rhonda,
you have been given good advice and the first 5000 are the hardest.

[find_rhonda@yahoo.com]

Thank you so much for the advice. I've decited to take my camera everywhere I go and get as much practice as I can. I have a feeling that my appendage during the gigs is going to become my best friend. 5,000 pictures sure does sound like alot but I take at least 200 picts at each show.
I will be experimenting with everything so I'm sure my questions will be exhausting, hope ya'll are up for it.
Thank you again,
Rhonda